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Briefing: holiday surcharges, wi-fi on BA and flights to Sharm

The Sunday Times

November 6 2016, 12:01am, The Sunday Times

Extra charges could mean increases of up to 17% on the cost of a holidayALAMY

Travel companies to impose surcharges Holidaymakers face surcharges of up to 10% on the price of trips next year, as tour operators struggle with the “double whammy” of rising hotel prices and the weak pound. Many companies were “caught unawares” by Brexit, according to Noel Josephides, boss of Sunvil, and surcharges are likely to become commonplace as the industry fights to maintain its margins.

“Some operators are very exposed,” Josephides says. “Cheaper holidays in Greece will rise up to 8%, and in the luxury sector by as much as 17%.” Surcharges can be imposed if a travel company can prove that costs have risen for reasons beyond its control. The first 2% of any increase must be absorbed by the operator. If the surcharge exceeds…